The brain is an amazing organ that controls every physiological and cognitive function in our bodies. From the moment you open your eyes until the moment you fall asleep, and then while you are sleeping your brain keeps working around the clock to ensure coordination, balance and proper functioning of all the systems in your body. Among the many functions the brain is directly responsible for, it is the center of all cognitive processes like memory, thinking, concentration, etc.

You might have been looking for ways to boost your brain power and memory capacity. Maybe you have trouble staying focused, you often feel sluggish, you forget easily, or you suffer from reduced productivity. Maybe you frequently suffer from brain fog or mental fatigue, and you have been looking for a natural relief to help you stay mentally fit and sharp.

There are various herbal supplements available that can fuel and nourish your brain in a safe and natural way. Lots of herbs have been used in traditional remedies for the enhancement of the brain and its functions, and some of them have been scientifically proven to have considerable health benefits. The following are 6 of the best herbs to consider as a natural aid for your brain power and wellness.

1. Ginkgo Biloba

This herb has found wide use in ancient healing practices. It has many cognitive benefits and actually helps regenerate brain cells. Studies show ginkgo biloba to be effective for improving memory and concentration as well as countering anxiety and stress.

Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow in the body and especially in the brain, and many people use it as an over the counter cognitive enhancer. There are some studies that questioned the benefits of this herb, but many studies and consumers reported marked improvement in mental performance when taking certain extracts of this herb.

One important thing to remember when taking ginkgo supplements is not to mix it with blood thinner medications, or else you would be at a high risk of suffering from brain bleeding. If you are taking any drugs for blood or circulation problems, it is always better to consult with your doctor before taking ginkgo biloba. (read more…)

Although food and nutrition are not linked to the causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is some research and schools of thought that nutrition and diet can help control the symptoms of ADHD for some people. Foods that feed and nourish the brain are good for your overall health, and they can also be good for those suffering from ADHD.

Some of The Best Foods For ADHD

High Protein Foods

Eggs, cheese, meats, nuts, soy and low-fat dairy products, just to name a few. Protein-rich foods help the body produce neurotransmitters, which brain cells need in order to communicate with each other. Protein has also been shown to help blood sugar levels to stabilize and not have surges, which besides being a good choice for diabetics, it can as well help reduce some symptoms of ADHD.

Complex Carbohydrates

Think vegetables, certain fruits like kiwis, pears, apples, and grapefruit. Other ideas include brown rice, quinoa, butternut squash, sweet potato and lentils. Complex carbohydrates take the body longer to digest and so also help to control blood sugar levels which can lead to less hyperactivity.

Omega-3s

These fatty acids are found in foods like salmon, tuna, Brazil nuts, olives, and olive oil. Omega-3s are very important for nerve and brain function. There have been studies showing that an increase in omega-3 intake can reduce ADHD symptoms in some people.

Vitamins and Minerals

Zinc, magnesium, iron and B vitamins are some of the essential minerals and vitamins for a healthy brain. They help with neurotransmitter production and regulation. They have also been linked to improved cognitive functions, like the ability to concentrate.

These minerals and vitamins can be found in foods like seafood, lean meats, poultry, nuts, and soy. We may not always get our full daily amount from our diet, so a multivitamin may be useful. If this is for your child, it is best to consult with your doctor for the right supplements and the right dosage so as not to overdose or interfere with other medications. (read more…)

The demands of the 21st century living have led to more and more of us being diagnosed with anxiety or experiencing high levels of stress in our everyday lives. For some people, this might be a fleeting feeling that disappears once the trigger for the emotion goes away. For others, however, anxiety and stress can become all-consuming, stopping the sufferer from enjoying their day-to-day life as they used to.

A doctor’s typical response to someone reporting high levels of anxiety is to prescribe drugs, commonly antidepressants, to ameliorate the symptoms that occur. These medications, however, often come with several unpleasant side effects including insomnia, increased anxiety (ironically!), sexual dysfunction, and even suicidal ideation, all of which can make the original mental health issue worse. Is medication really the only way we can combat stress and anxiety?

Not really! In recent years, awareness about stress and anxiety (among many other mental disorders) has increased, and with that, the demand for natural and drug-free treatments has also increased.

Therapists have developed many management techniques that don’t involve the use of invasive pharmaceutical drugs. If you’re looking for natural alternatives, then keep reading, as we have rounded up just a few of the best ways to deal with stress and anxiety without using drugs.

Exercise

Although exercising can seem like a hassle before you start, when it comes to managing anxiety and stress, it’s well worth the initial push to engage with it.

This is because exercising naturally releases endorphins, otherwise known as the happy hormones, that can have an uplifting effect on your mood, making it easier to deal with anxiety and lower stress levels. Exercise also reduces the amount of stress hormones in your body, which can be a major trigger in developing anxiety.

Even without considering the science behind this, exercising wears you out, meaning you won’t have as much energy to focus on being anxious or stressed. And as a bonus, you can make up for the calories you burn during exercising by enjoying some of the foods that make you happy, like chocolate — in moderation! (read more…)